Past Shows ...

Daily Leader, Pontiac, IL
By Erich Murphy/Managing Editor
Published: Thursday, July 10, 2008

Parents of today's children probably grew up watching Disney animated cartoons. One of the favorites of many is "The Jungle Book," which was made in 1967. In 2008, "The Jungle Book" is brought to human form on the stage at Chautauqua Park. And like the movie, the Vermillion Players children's production is something that will be enjoyed by the entire family.

"The Jungle Book" opens tonight and will run through Sunday. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. for each production. Jerry Keck, shows why he is a longtime veteran at directing the children's show. Everyone from the leads to the smallest bit player comes through with a confident and energetic effort. This is important for any children's production to be successful.

The main character of the production is Mowgli. Cody Hatzer has the task of nailing down the little boy who has grown up in the jungle. In the movie, Mowgli was found by Bagheera, a panther. In the play, the Bagheera, played by Ashley Haley, has already found the boy and is leading him to the man village.

The reason for the move, one which Mowgli does not initially want, is because of Shere Khan, the man-eating tiger. Jacob Krominga will need to be careful in his future thespian endeavors. Krominga portrays Shere Khan and does so very well. Dressed in a rather sophisticated manner, Krominga's Shere Khan is like a confident and patient bad guy looking to eat Mowgli. Krominga's effort is not over the top, lending legitimacy to his part. He is a good, sophisticated criminal-type.

Mowgli's journey includes interaction not only with Baloo but with many other members of the jungle, which is in India. Kaa is an Indian python and has the idea of eating Mowgli. Along the way, Mowgli also encounters elephants, led by Col. Hathi, played by Sean McCaskey, and his wife, Winifred (Abby Libby). Also in the group of pachyderms is the baby, played by Brie Stadler.

One of the most impressive, and maybe the most fun-loving, roles is Baloo. Taylor Sartoris is completely at ease on stage as the carefree bear. Her athleticism allows Sartoris to perform the dance routines and move with the similar grace that Disney’s artists drew for Baloo in the movie. It is almost as if she was meant to play Baloo.

The journey is completed when Mowgli sees Shanti, the little girl who entices the boy to join the man village. Keck has double-cast Shanti, as Anna Mitchell and Mary Kate Schopp will share the role.

A very good production crew helped Keck with pulling off such a play. Vocal director/choreographer Krista Chmiel came up with good dance routines that helped promote such familiar songs as "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wan'na Be Like You." Michele Barnett and Pam Teske are the producers and Sandy Erickson joins Keck as an accompanist. Playing the drums is Pastor Gabriel Baumgardner.

Another thing that Keck uses to his advantage is the length of the production. This is a short play, lasting a little more than an hour. Because he is blessed with a solid cast, Keck is able to get the most out of his charges. There is no shortage of enthusiasm by the more than 80 children in the production. It may be short, but "The Jungle Book" is a play that should be seen. It is an entertaining production that will be enjoyed by the kid in everyone.